More people will be able to pay for journeys on buses, trams and trains using contactless cards, the Department for Transport has announced.

Local authorities will be able to replicate systems that are already in place across cities such as London, Liverpool and Nottingham, where passengers can pay for different modes of transport using the same bank card. 

Officials said the government would provide technical support and long-term funding for areas that wanted to introduce the technology.

The DfT did not give a timeline for when the changes will take place. 

Under the changes, a “mini Switzerland” scheme in the Peak District’s Hope Valley was also announced.

This will involve bus services being timed to connect with trains, modelled on what happens in Switzerland.